Phimosis is a condition created when a man has an extremely tight foreskin.
Symptoms of Phimosis
- Difficulty retracting the foreskin.
- Inability to pull the foreskin behind the glans (head) of penis.
- Pain or discomfort.
- Redness of the foreskin and/or penis.
- Pain or discomfort during sexual activity.
- Decreased or weakened urine stream.
Diagnosis
An accurate diagnosis can be made during a physical examination performed by a doctor.
Treatment
If a man is experiencing the symptoms of phimosis, he should immediately contact his physician for diagnosis and treatment. The physician may give the patient an antibiotic, if the phimosis is determined to be caused by an infection. Otherwise, soaking the penis in warm water may help separate the foreskin from the glans. If this soaking method does not work, the doctor may make a small incision to release the foreskin from the glans. In the case of repeated episodes of phimosis, circumcision is usually (but not always) recommended.
Cause and Prevention
There are two types of phimosis: congenital and acquired. Congenital phimosis begins early in life and is a completely normal condition found in many infants, and it usually resolves itself as the infant transitions into childhood. Acquired phimosis, on the other hand, begins later in life and can be caused by a variety of conditios, including:
- poor hygiene
- a severe build-up of smegma
- an infection of the foreskin
Many forms of acquired phimosis - particularly those caused by a build-up of smegma - can be prevented by practicing proper hygiene. A man should wash underneath his foreskin daily with water and a mild soap. Circumcision is a guaranteed way to avoid phimosis, because the foreskin is removed during this operation.
Paraphimosis is a less common, but more serious, version of phimosis in which the foreskin is so tight that it can cut off blood flow once it is pulled back behind the glans (head) of the penis - causing serious problems. If the foreskin gets stuck and will not return to its original position, or if it begins to swell, seek medical attention immediately since this is a very serious condition which may traumatize the penis if not treated.
Symptoms of Parahimosis
- Extremely tight foreskin.
- Inability to pull the foreskin behind the glans (head) of the penis.
- Extreme pain or discomfort.
- Difficulty or pain during urination.
- Foreskin gets stuck and will not return (easily or at all) to its original position.
- Swelling (edema) of the foreskin or penis.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made during a physical examination performed by a doctor.
Treatment
Any treatment should be performed by a trained physician. Treatment involves reducing the penile edema, or swelling, by manual retraction or surgical methods. Applying pressure to the circumference of the penis can reduce swelling as well as ice packs. Certain injections performed by a doctor into the swollen foreskin can reduce the edema by allowing the stored fluid to dissipate. Another procedure to be performed by a trained professional is to simply puncture the swollen are and release fluids. Surgery reducing the tightness of the foreskin could be required to reduce swelling. Circumcision will remedy both paraphimosis and phimosis and prevent any further foreskin problems that could arise.
Cause and Prevention
Untreated phimosis (see above for common causes of phimosis)
Rigorous sexual activity has been reported as a predisposing factor for paraphimosis
To prevent paraphimosis, a man should always seek medical treatment during the early onset of phimosis. Please see above for techniques that can help to prevent phimosis.
© - Reproduced with permission of SexInfo, University of California at Santa Barbara, 2007.